Former Kaduna Central Lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has weighed in on the United States’ latest visa restrictions that now include Nigeria among 23 other countries, describing the move as discriminatory and urging Nigerians to redirect their energy toward developing their homeland.
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a new set of travel restrictions targeting foreign nationals from a swath of countries, citing “persistent and serious deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that, officials say, pose risks to U.S. national security and public safety. The expanded policy affects nations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and other regions.
Reacting on social media, Sani criticised the policy’s scope, saying it singles out “third-world migrants” and overlooks broader global concerns. He pointed out that the list of affected countries is dominated by Black African and Caribbean nations and contains no Arab states, despite security being cited as the reason for the restrictions.
“The first visa ban focused on those alleged to engage in religious persecution, and many celebrated, thinking it was limited to officials,” Sani wrote. “Now the second visa restriction applies to everyone, and Nigeria is on the list.”
He added: “The message is very clear, third-world migrants are not welcome. Stay back, build your country, or deal with your problems here at home.”
The U.S. White House said the new proclamation will take effect in early 2026 and imposes either full or partial suspension of entry for citizens of the listed countries, affecting various visa categories including business, tourist, student, and exchange visitors.
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